New Christmas tradition reignited for park revitalization

Proceeds from Christmas in the Park to aid Moncus Park

For years, lit up shopping centers, Salvation Army bells, Lafayette General’s Santa all have heralded Christmas in Acadiana, but a newer tradition will take place this Friday: the second annual Christmas in the Park at Moncus Park.

Admission to the family-friendly event, which is sponsored by Lafayette Roofing & General Contractors, LLC, is free. Social Entertainment Productions Event Coordinator Britlyn Delahoussaye said about 8,000 people packed the property formerly known as The Horse Farm for the inaugural event last year.

This year’s event will feature live music from cover band Louisiana Red, pictures with Santa, face painting, and a kid’s zone with fun jumps from Acadiana Fun Jumps.

Most notable are the shopping options, which only feature local vendors, Delahoussaye said.

“You can expect a full shopping experience featuring 40 different pop-up shops from clothing to Christmas decor. It’s a great place for Christmas shopping because there are a variety of vendors.”

Delahoussaye said Social Entertainment Productions strives to serve as a platform for local businesses and musicians for the purpose of community-building. Of the 40 vendors are Parish Tins, which compiles $200 worth of coupons and gift certificates for local restaurants and businesses in tin boxes; Cajun Crate, which curates and ships a new selection of Cajun food items each month by subscription or one-time gift; and A Rolling Stone Jewels, Gabrielle Gonzales’ collection of handmade bohemian accessories.

Social Entertainment Productions is adding fresh aspects to the event, like a halftime performance of Christmas songs from students at The Music Box and a DJ set from DJ RV.

Although the event is free, proceeds from drink orders will go toward the revitalization of the 100-acre property, which is slated to begin construction early next year.

“There will be a full bar service with hot and cold drinks, so we encourage you not to bring an ice chest to support the event. We just want to support Lafayette and local businesses, and for you to support them with us. You’re basically supporting Moncus Park, and within that, the different phases of revitalization of the space.”

Ice chests are discouraged, though attendees to the event should feel free to bring their lawn chairs and blankets, Delahoussaye said.

The production company is also behind the newly-launched and wildly successful Po-Boy Festival, and the local food showcase Plate Lunch A-Palooza. It’s attracted regionally recognized acts to Lafayette, like Anderson East and FlowTribe, and conducts pub crawls down Jefferson Street throughout the year.

Christmas in the Park is a new tradition for Lafayette holiday festivities, but being in the center of town and in the same location as the Saturday Farmers and Artisans Market ensures the event will be a mainstay for Christmases to come. Although the event is new, Delahoussaye said she wants to maintain the consistent vibrancy of the its first run throughout the duration of this year’s event.

Christmas in the Park will commence from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the event is free, and activities for children are on a pay to play basis. Food vendors accept cash or card, and an ATM will be on site.